Which literary device involves using language to convey the opposite of what is meant?

Irony is a literary device that involves expressing a meaning that is opposite to the literal interpretation. It often highlights a contradiction between expectations and reality, creating a deeper understanding or a humorous effect. This can manifest in various forms, such as verbal irony, where a speaker says one thing but means another, often in a sarcastic manner, or situational irony, where the outcome of a situation is contrary to what one would expect. This device engages readers by encouraging them to look beyond the surface of language and explore the underlying meanings and implications inherent in the text.

Metonymy, hyperbole, and simile, while valuable literary devices, function differently. Metonymy involves substituting the name of one thing with the name of something closely associated with it, hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally for emphasis or effect, and a simile compares two different things using "like" or "as" to create a vivid image. None of these techniques convey the specific use of language that signifies the opposite of what is meant, which is the essence of irony.